bakemonoremy

Location: Studio

Tsukasa: Everyone, please pardon my intrusion.

Arashi: Ufufu, as usual, Tsukasa-chan’s manners are without flaw. Good boy, good boy ♪

Tsukasa: P-Please don’t pet my head like that. It feels like you’re treating me like a child, and I don’t like that.

That aside, is it just you here, Narukami-senpai? Ritsu-senpai and Sena-senpai are-... huh?

Izumi: ~.....♪

Tsukasa: Is the person sitting over there Sena-senpai? He’s humming and seems to be in quite the good mood.

Well, he’s looking at photos and grinning to himself, so that’s sort of ominous in it’s own way.

Arashi: It’s his usual illness. I feel like I’d lose if I let it get to me, so I’ve made a point to ignore him.

Tsukasa: Illness...? Does Sena-senpai have some sort of chronic illness?

You should have told me that sooner. Or rather, is it even okay for him to be doing idol activities when he suffers from a chronic illness?

Arashi: Aah, not that kind of illness. Look, you know how they say “There’s no cure for love*”?

Tsukasa: Eh, Sena-senpai is in love!? What an auspicious thing!

Ah, no. Actually, now that I think about it, we are idols…. This isn’t the time to be hooked on romance.

We have not yet restored our reputation either… If this got in the way of that, it’d be trouble…

Izumi: Aah, geez! Shut up! Don’t get in the way of my Yuu-kun time!

Tsukasa: Yuu-kun time? ....Ah, I see. So this is about Yuu-kun, as usual.

Izumi: What? Do you want to look at Yuu-kun’s photos too, Kasa-kun? You can’t, if you looked at him you’d diminish Yuu-kun!

Tsukasa: I don’t particularly want to look at them.

Izumi: Why not!? It’s Yuu-kun! How could there be anyone who doesn’t want to look at the treasure of this world!

Tsukasa: Ehh…? Narukami-senpai, Sena-senpai is acting weirder than usual, what should I do?

Arashi: Leave him be.

But well, how did you get your hands on those photos of Yuuki-kun? Don’t tell me you took them in secret?

Izumi: Heey, could you not say such rude things? The one secretly taking pictures of Yuu-kun wasn’t me, but the transfer student.

She called out to me after the “Art and Book Fair” and stealthily gave them to me.

And I didn’t order her to do it or anything, okay~? She handed me them all on her own, saying “Good work today”.

Arashi: Tenkousei-chan probably thought you were pitiful, Izumi-chan. What a kind girl…

Izumi: Fufu. She seems pretty useful after all. Maybe I should put her to work for Yuu-kun next time as well….♪

Ritsu: Ah~... Don’t prattle on like old ladies. I was just sleeping so well, and you ruined it.

Arashi: Oh my, Ritsu-chan, you finally woke up. If you sleep in a place like this, you’ll catch a cold. Sleep in a warm place instead, okay?

Ritsu: It’s indoors, so it’s fine~. I also sleep outdoors all the time, so I’m strong against the cold.

Arashi: Don’t sleep outdoors…

Err, in any case. Since Ritsu-chan is awake, we might as well start our meeting ♪

Izumi: Hey, Naru-kun. I came to the studio because you said we’re having a meeting, but we didn’t get a new job or anything, right?

Arashi: Ufufu, the work today is to be a photography assistant. That’s what I called you to the studio for. Let’s do our best ♪

Izumi: Eh~... Why did you accept such a pointless and annoying job?

Arashi: I didn’t have a choice. All we can do right now is polish our image with jobs like this. Stop complaining and get to work.

I don’t want to exercise my political power too much here, but I am acting as the leader right now… So even if you whine “I don’t wanna, I don’t wanna,” it’s useless, Izumi-chan?

Izumi: I get it. Because no matter the job, I’ll do it flawlessly.

This situation is the result of my own misconduct, but I can’t help but want to complain. Ah~ah, I wonder how much longer until we’re released from this position.

Arashi: We managed to do a lot for our image during the “Art and Book Fair” the other day, so I think the day we’ll get reevaluated might not be so far off?

Izumi: I sure hope so. They do say “A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step”, so let’s finish this job.

Tsukasa: Yes! Until the day “Knights” is evaluated justly, please rely on me!

Everyone of “Knights”, I shall be relying on your guidance...♪

-----------------------------------------

* Arashi says “恋は医者でも治せない” here, literally “Even a doctor can’t cure love”, which is also the title of a song by Stardust Revue.

Location: Book Fair Event Site

Izumi: What? You want to know if I’m not tired from holding the same pose for so long?

Who do you think I am? You know, you’re really lucky I agreed to stand model for your painting? Anyway, if you’re done painting, show me already.

...Hmm, it turned out rather nice. Well, that’s a given since you had such a good model ♪

Tsumugi: Sena-ku~n!

Izumi: Aoba? And the transfer student is there, too. Does that mean Yuu-kun came along, too!?

Tsumugi: I’m afraid to say he didn’t~. Sena-kun, are you by yourself? I don’t see Narukami-kun anywhere?

Izumi: Naru-kun is in the middle of showing his kouhai around. I was also thinking of taking my break, but then I was asked to stand model for a painting.

But who cares! Geez, you’re useless!

I only accepted this job because Yuu-kun would be here, and now we have to work separately!

I thought I’d be rewarded for my hard work, but Yuu-kun didn’t come to check up on me even once!

My patience is at its limit! Aoba, I’m gonna work with Yuu-kun now, so switch with me!

Tsumugi: Well, I don’t mind. I don’t know if Yuuki-kun is going to agree to that, though~?

The reason we came over here without him was also because he didn’t seem like he wanted to.

Izumi: …………

Tsumugi: Aah, I’m sorry! I didn’t want to make you depressed~?

But, well. Being relentlessly attacked by the person he hates will just make him hate you more, I think.

I won’t say “let sleeping dogs lie”, but, I do think it’d be best if you left things as they are.

Izumi: I’m not being hated by Yuu-kun! Can you not say such unfounded things?

Tsumugi: No, no, I think he hates you plenty. He also called you “disgusting”, didn’t he?

Actually, I think you’re amazing for not being discouraged even though he hates you that much, Sena-kun~? I respect you ♪

Izumi: Haa? Are you making fun of me?

Tsumugi: No, no, not at all!

Umm, I don’t know if it’s okay for me to ask this, but did something happen between Sena-kun and Yuuki-kun?

Is there a reason as to why you persistently follow Yuuki-kun around?

Izumi: ...There’s no need for me to tell you that, right? This only concerns me and Yuu-kun. I don’t want an outsider to ask that just to satisfy your own curiosity.

Tsumugi: Outsider, you say… I consider you my friend though, Sena-kun~?

Izumi: A friend, huh? We’re just former classmates. Aah, geez, now I’ve wasted my whole break time!

I’ll go over to where Yuu-kun is right now… Actually, didn’t the two of you come to do something on Yuu-kun’s behalf?

Tsumugi: Ah, yes. It seems there’s a book he wants to see. We came here to look for that…

Hm? Anzu-chan, what’s wrong? ...The book on Sena-kun’s knees?

Aah, that’s the one. We came here to look for that book.

Izumi: Eh, hold on just a second? Yuu-kun said he wants to look at this book?

Tsumugi: Yes, he said that. But how unexpected~. I didn’t think Sena-kun would have an interest in things aimed at children like this book.

Izumi: To call it “aimed at children” just because it’s a picture book is prejudice. There’s picture books you want to read exactly because you’ve become an adult, too.

Tsumugi: I get that~! There’s picture books that really make you feel that life is precious, too.

Izumi: Exactly. By the way, this picture book is one of those types. I have it at home and read it from time to time, so when I saw in on exhibit here, I took it in my hand without noticing.

Well, it seems like it’s not for sale. This book is considered valuable by now, so we can consider ourselves lucky we even get to read it.

But Yuu-kun… Could it be that he still remembers that time…?

Eh? Transfer student, Yuu-kun called it a book that’s related to memories for him? If possible, he wants to read it just once more, he said?

I-I see! I called you useless earlier, but I take that back ♪ What else? Did he say anything else!?

“Someone in whose care he was”? There’s no need to use the past tense, though~. If Yuu-kun wished for it, I’d take care of him until the end of time ♪

Lately I’ve been feeling down because we’ve only been doing “on-campus part-time jobs”, and plain jobs like this one.

But by doing honest work, good things do happen.

It’s just a little bit, but I can see a ray of hope.

It gives me peace of mind to know that Yuu-kun doesn’t want to erase his past with me. Just knowing that made it coming here worth it.

Even now, I don’t like it when you get close to Yuu-kun, transfer student. But just this once, I want to express my gratitude. ...Thank you, transfer student.

Location: Book Fair Event Site

Arashi: Izumi-chan~? They said we can take a break in just a little while. Hold out just a bit longer. Fight, fight ♪

Izumi: Even if you tell me to “fight”... A~Ah, right now those two are probably happily chatting with Yuu-kun…

Even though being allowed to flirt with Yuu-kun is only his Onii-chan’s privilege. When I think of how Aoba and the transfer student are getting along excessively with Yuu-kun, it pisses me off.

Arashi: Don’t frighten the customers, Izumi-chan. You have a pretty face, so when you erase your expression, you look scary. Come on, smile, smile ♪

Izumi: I keep a smile on my face even without you telling me to. It’s work, so I won’t let my personal feelings get in the way.

Arashi: Ufufu, seems I was unnecessarily concerned. If you’re a good boy, God may smile upon you, who knows?

Izumi: Rather than relying on something uncertain as that, I’d sooner use my own abilities to make Yuu-kun look my way.

Naru-kun, let’s get back to work.

My ideal is to throw myself so deeply into my work I won’t have to think about unnecessary things anymore, and become so famous that Yuu-kun will catch wind of it and come to see me.

For the sake of my ideals, there’s no effort I won’t spare.

Makoto: ...Achoo!

Tsumugi: Yuuki-kun, are you okay? If you want, you can leave this to us and take a break.

Makoto: I-I’m fine. I’m not feeling cold or anything either, so maybe someone was just talking about me?

Eh, Tenkousei-chan? “Maybe it was Izumi-san~” you say? Aah, yeah, that’s a real possibility so there’s nothing I can say to refute that.

Tsumugi: Uwah, don’t push me please~? It causes trouble for the people in front of you, and it’d be bad if someone got hurt.

Yeah, you’re a good child who properly apologized. Here, some candy for all you good children ♪ ...Aah, you don’t really like brown sugar?

Hrm~m, I don’t understand the tastes of young people. I chose “Momotarou*” on a whim, but maybe I should have chosen a different book to read?

Fufu, so you like “Momotarou”. And the girl over there, you like “The Little Mermaid”~? Then let’s read both one after the other.

And everyone else, if there’s a book you’d like me to read, please tell me. If you don’t have one, it’s fine to just choose one just from how the cover looks.

Now then, everyone. Gather around and listen.

A long, long time ago, there was an old man and an old woman. The old man went to the mountain to cut kindling, and the old woman went to the river to wash the laundry.---

Makoto: Fufu. Everyone’s listening in silence~

I wonder if I was like that as a child, too.

I told you about how there’s a book that’s connected to fond memories is on display here at the “Art and Book Fair”.

Someone read it to me, just like we are doing now.

Eh? Ah, yeah, it wasn’t my personal belonging~. It belonged to someone in whose care I was  back then.

Speaking of which, I did come to the “Art and Book Fair” in order to find that picture book. I should go look for it when it’s time for my break.

Err, which booth had it on display again?

Tsumugi: Are you talking about that book from earlier?

Makoto: Wh-, Aoba-senpai. Are you already done reading aloud?

Tsumugi: Yes. Everyone fell asleep halfway through the book… I’d feel bad if I woke them up, so I covered them in some blankets and let them sleep.

Makoto: Ahaha, it’s because you have a gentle voice, Aoba-senpai.

Tsumugi: Hm~m, I get the feeling it’s actually because I’ve read the book in such a monotonous voice…

Anyway, to get back on topic: Let’s go look for the picture book you want to find, Yuuki-kun.

I asked an acquaintance about it and he told me it’s at that booth over there, the one that Narukami-kun and Sena-kun are currently in charge of.

Would you like to head over there and get it?

Makoto: Eh, well… Meeting Izumi-san sounds like it’ll turn into something troublesome again, so if possible I’d like to wait for a moment when he isn’t around and get it then…

Tsumugi: In that case, I’ll go and get it when it’s time for my break.

Makoto: You would do that for me? That’d be a big help, but I do feel bad for making you help me because of my personal circumstances…

Tsumugi: I want to check up on the both of them anyway, so I don’t mind at all~ But you have some good hobbies, Yuuki-kun. Since you said you liked that picture book.

Yuuki: Ah, but that’s just a story from my childhood. These days I mainly play games.

Tsumugi: Most young people are like that~ Natsume-kun and Sora-kun always play their bleep bloop video games in their club room, too.

Makoto: It’d probably better for me if I was addicted to reading rather than games, though. It’d increase my vocabulary, and my eyes wouldn’t get worse all the time.

Tsumugi: Now that you say it, me and Yuuki-kun are fellow glasses-wearers. Well, unlike Yuuki-kuns glasses, mine are unfashionable though.

Well, I’m sure if Yuuki-kun wore my glasses, he’d still make it look stylish~. Even now we’re wearing the same style of clothes, and yet I can feel the difference between us.

The radiance of an idol is on another level, after all ♪

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* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Momotar%C5%8D

Location: Book Fair Event Site

Tsumugi: Uwah, you’re all looking so good in the outfits~! You all look really cool!

Arashi: Ufufu. Rather than cool, I’d prefer to be called “lovely” or “cute”, though… But well, thanks for the compliment ♪

Tsukasa: Yes! I am in high spirits, to be wearing such clothes that are befitting of “Knights”!

Ritsu: Zzz...♪

Tsukasa: Hey now, Ritsu-senpai! Please don’t fall asleep at every opportunity! Or rather, why haven’t you gotten changed yet?

Well, I suppose the sunlight is pretty strong around this time. I could call it a miracle that you made it in time for our meeting in the first place.

But you can’t keep sleeping. Please wake up and get changed.

Ritsu: Don’t shake me, you’re disturbing my sleep~. Yaawn… I’m too tired, so help me get changed, okay?

Arashi: Oh geez, you’re like a troublesome child. Come on, Ritsu-chan, raise your arms like you’re going “banza~i”. Onee-chan is going to change your clothes for you ♪

Makoto: A-Aoba-senpai! Save me~!

Tsumugi: What’s the matter, Yuuki-kun? ...Hahaa, is Sena-kun causing trouble for you again?

Sena: Haa? That’s inexcusable! I was only telling Yuu-kun that I want to enjoy him from up close!

Tsumugi: Well, of course he’d run away from that. In any case, the outfit suits you well, too, Sena-kun~ ♪

Izumi: Who do you think I am? Of course it suits me~. Anyway, Yuu-kun? Where’s Yuu-kun!?

Tsumugi: Sena-kun, please calm down~. It seems Ritsu-kun is done changing, too, so let’s start distributing the roles.

First, I’d like for Narukami-kun and Sena-kun to be in charge of touting.

Arashi: Ufufu, leave it to us. Aah, but I won’t be able to give explanations for the books, is that okay?

Tsumugi: Yes. That kind of thing is the job of the staff, so don’t worry~. I’m sorry for making you do the work of a crowd puller, though.

Arashi: Carrying out the role that was requested of me is also the job of a model, so I’ll put my experience to good use and attract a lot of customers ♪

Izumi: Ehh~... Why do I have to work with Naru-kun? I don’t really want to be treated like I’m in a set with him too much, you know?

Of course it makes sense since we’ll be attracting customers. But if it’s models you need, there’s also Yuu-kun.

Yuu-kun, let’s work together...♪

Tsumugi: Ah, I’m sorry. I was thinking of working together with Yuuki-kun myself.

It seems there’s a book he is looking for, so I thought I’d accompany him just in case we need to negotiate.

Of course, I don’t mind if Yuuki-kun wants to help Sena-kun with his work.

Makoto: No, no! I want to work with Aoba-senpai!

Izumi: Yuu-ku~n? I must have misheard things.

Yuu-kun must be embarrassed about wanting to work with me, and that’s why he said “Aoba” on purpose, right?

Arashi: Izumi-chan, if you’re too obstinate, he’ll really start to hate you. Come on now, you always say you do your work perfectly, right?

Let’s do a good job on our work so Yuuki-kun’s impression of you improves, okay?

Izumi: Grr, even though you’re just Naru-kun, you’re strangely good at handling me…

Aah geez, I get it. Since I’ll do it, I’ll do it perfectly. Naru-kun, don’t slack off either even though this job’s a pain.

Arashi: Yeah, yeah. I’ll do it flawlessly.

Tsukasa: Um, excuse me? What shall I and Ritsu-senpai be doing?

The order was to stand around in these outfits, but unlike Narukami-senpai and Sena-senpai, we aren’t experienced as models.

Tsumugi: Let’s see~. I was thinking of asking you two to read aloud for the children. Do you have experience in that?

Tsukasa: No, I don’t. Also, Ritsu-senpai has been yawning as if he doesn’t have the same motivation as the person who changed his clothes, so I think we have a bigger problem than reading aloud.

Tsumugi: In that case, I’ll do it. How about the two of you walk around the area together?

You both look as cool as Sena-kun and Narukami-kun after all~. I’m sure you’ll be able to attract customers just by walking around and advertising ♪

Tsukasa: I-I see. Neither me or Ritsu-senpai are models, but being told that does flatter my self-esteem ♪

Understood. I, Suou Tsukasa… will fulfill my duty to the best of my abilities!

Tsumugi: Lastly, I’d like for Anzu-chan to walk around with me and Yuuki-kun. Fufu, “Leave it to me”, you say? You’re so reliable~ ♪

With a lot of good fortune, we were able to make this future a reality.

Even if it’s in the middle of work, if you see a book that interests you, feel free to pick it up.

Maybe that book could end up changing your future.

If you could come to learn the appeal of books, I’d be incredibly happy ♪

Location: Game Research Club Room

- The following day, during lunch break -

Sora: HaHa~♪ Welcome to the game club room! Sora welcomes you~ ♪

Yes! Sora heard about it from senpai! The “Art and Book Fair”, right?

Sora doesn’t really read books~ Ah, do strategy guides count as books?

Looking at strategy guides for games is fun~♪

I always clear games just by feelings, but strategy guides have configurations in it that I didn’t know before, so that’s interesting!

Tsumugi: Sora-ku~n? Ah, I was wondering who you were talking to, so it was Anzu-chan.

As you can see, I’m sewing right now. I wanted to go sew in the handicrafts club room, but for some reason there’s a lot of bloodlust directed at me there.

Shu-kun and the others are working on the costumes the theatre club will be using during their performance in the “school festival”, it seems.

I asked if I could help them, but he yelled at me to do my own work and kicked me out of the room.

Natsume: ……….(Punches Tsumugi’s stomach)

Tsumugi: That hurts!? Why did you suddenly punch me! I am doing needlework right now, so if I accidentally stabbed Natsume-kun with the needle it’d be a catastrophe!?

Natsume: No need to worRY. I’m not stupid like Senpai, after aLL.

Tsumugi: Uu, Natsume-kun is in a worse mood than usual today, huh? Insulting me and punching me, I’m not a boxing machine, you know~?

Sora: HiHi~♪ Shisho~’s color looks like he’s “lonely” rather than “in a bad mood”, though~?

Tsumugi: Aah, since I came to the game club room and only sewed the whole time instead of paying attention to Natsume-kun, you’ve gotten lonely!

I’m sorry, I’ll talk to you once I’m done with this part, so can you wait just a moment~?

Natsume: …………(Kicks Tsumugi’s stomach)

Tsumugi: Gyaah! Why did you become even more violent~! I don’t understand young people!

Natsume: So impertineNT. If only Senpai hadn’t come heRE, I could be having fun playing games with Sora right nOW. Consider yourself lucky you’re getting away with just being insulted and punched and kickED.

BesidES, I don’t remember giving you permission to work here in the first plaCE.

Tsumugi: I can’t? All the empty classrooms are in use by other students… And I rented a practice room yesterday, so I’m short on money, I don’t have anywhere else to go~!

Natsume: Wasn’t that also for “Knights”’ saKE? ActualLY, why are you working with “KnighTS”? Senpai, I didn’t know you were close with thEM.

If it’s the job at the book faIR, we could’ve done that tOO.

Since “Knights” had their activities restrictED, they can’t hold a live shOW, so I don’t think you can expect them to attract as many peopLE.

Tsumugi: You’re right about that. But Natsume-kun, didn’t you say you had a different job booked on that day already? A fortune-telling job or something of the sort?

Natsume: W-Well, yES…?

Tsumugi: I knew it, I don’t forget about the things my precious friends tell me~♪

Natsume: HmPF. If we’re your precious frienDS, how about consulting us before making decisions like thAT?

Tsumugi: I’m sorry. Natsume-kun said “I’m going to be working with momMY” and seemed so cheerful, so…

I thought it would be useless to ask, and made the decision by myself.

Sora: HuHu~, Sora remembers that, too~♪ Shisho~ gave off a happy color back then!

Natsume: ...Sora, why are you taking Senpai’s siDE?

Tsumugi: If “Knights” get good publicity for participating in this job, it’ll be for their sake as well… I am glad I asked “Knights” to help out.

Natsume: Is that SO. Well, as long as Senpai is fine with IT.

It’s not like I’m dissatisfied that you’re working with “Knights” without even consulting ME, and I’m not in a bad mood because of it eithER, alrighT?

Sora: HeHe~, Shisho~ is sulking~? You’re giving off that color ♪

Natsume: Sora, don’t say unnecessary thinGS.

That asiDE, Senpai, you were in high spiriTS, saying you’re working on the clothes for “KnighTS”. But aren’t you also going to wear thEM?

Tsumugi: Eh?

Natsume: No, you shouldn’t be the one giving a troubled reaction heRE. Could it BE, Senpai, that you weren’t counting yourself IN?

Tsumugi: Err… Yes. You’re right, since I’ll be participating as well, I’d look out of place if I was the only one in a school uniform.

Well, we’re not doing a live show, so in the worst case I can get away with wearing my uniform.

Hm? What is it, Anzu-chan? ...Eh, you’re already working on an outfit for me?

You had a feeling I forgot about it, you say… You really have it together, Anzu-chan. Thank you very much~!

Natsume: ...GeEZ, even though Senpai is in a leadership position this tiME, you still sew the clothes like an underliNG.

You should be using this opportunity to stand in the limelight and advertise for “Switch” insteAD.

Tsumugi: I make the clothes because it’s fun, though?

I’ve never had the opportunity to work on “Knights”’ outfits before, and I’d like you to look at them when I’m finished with them, Natsume-kun~ ♪

Natsume: …………(Pinches Tsumugi’s palm)

Tsumugi: Ugyah! Why are you pinching me~!? If there’s something you want to tell me, use your words instead of violence, please!

Sora: HoHo~♪ Senpai and Shisho~ are such close friends~. The world is peaceful again today! HaHiHuHeHo~♪

Location: Studio

- A few days later -

Tsumugi: Eh~ I thank you for coming together on this day.

I am sure you already heard about the situation from Anzu-chan.

The job this time is to hype up the book fair that’s going to be held at the shopping district with everyone from “Knights”.

Since some of you might not know about the book fair, I’m going to distribute some printouts about it right now.

Tell me if there’s still something you don’t understand after reading it.

Izumi: Yu ‧ u ‧ - ku~n ... ♪

Makoto: Uhii!? D-Don’t come over here! If you step within the radius of one meter to me, I’ll call the police, you know!?

Izumi: Ufufu, there’s no need to act shy~ Come here, Yuu-kun. I’ll pat your head for you...♪

Makoto: I’m not acting shy or anything. Ahh, geez, you’re really disgusting! I’m begging you, don’t come any closer!

Arashi: Izumi-chan, why don’t you leave it at that.

Good grief, you shouldn’t scare him when we’re about to work together. Yuuki-kun, I’m sorry.

Izumi: Hey, don’t get in my way! I only accepted this job because I heard Yuu-kun was going to be there, you know?

Izumi: Yuu-kun, don’t run away today.

Lately you’ve noticed me even when I was ambushing you, and got away, so I’ve been suffering from a Yuu-kun deficiency. So today, let’s get along...♪

Makoto: What do you mean, deficiency!? No way, Izumi-san is so incomprehensible again today it’s scaring me~ We’re incompatible~

Arashi: Alright. At this rate, this conversation is getting nowhere, so stop picking a fight with Yuuki-kun, Izumi-chan.

I’m sorry. “Knights” is a unit of individualism, so we don’t mesh well with others.

Well, I won’t forgive anyone for being late to the agreed meeting time with an excuse like “That’s our principle”, though.

Tsukasa-chan, you did send a mail to Ritsu-chan, didn’t you?

Tsukasa: Yes, I told him the time and place in my mail. Maybe I should go and get him?

Arashi: Hm~m. Ritsu-chan wasn’t in the classroom earlier. He seems to like the garden terrace, so maybe he’s sleeping over there?

Ritsu: Oi~ssu ♪

Arashi: Ah, Ritsu-chan, you sure are walking in here rather boldly considering how late you are. Well, I am grateful you didn’t forget about our meeting.

Ritsu: Ya~awn… I slept in a weird position and now my body is all stiff. Su~chan, rub my shoulders for me?

Tsukasa: Why should I? I am not your handmaid, Ritsu-senpai.

Rather, I’d like everyone to stop chattering freely and get to the issue at hand. Ritsu-senpai, I explained everything in the mail I sent you, did you understand the contents?

Ritsu: I do. But why is Su~chan acting like the manager here?

Tsukasa: Ah, I apologize for butting in as the youngest one here! Errr, should I leave this to Narukami-senpai then?

Arashi: Hm~ But the job this time was decided because Tsukasa-chan consulted Tenkousei-chan, so there’s no need to worry about that I think.

Besides, I am just a stand-in leader anyway. But I agree that we should stop chattering and get to the point.

Aoba-senpai, I’ve read the printout, but could you tell me what it is exactly that we will be doing?

I’ll warn you beforehand, even if we participate as idols we won’t be able to hold a live show. It’s a shame, since you prepared such cute practice outfits for us…

Tsumugi: Aah, don’t worry about that. If anything, I am sorry I was a bit too eager.

Everyone in “Knights” catches people’s attention, so while I was thinking about what I should make for you to wear, I ended up finishing these outfits.

Because of that, I think that you’ll attract a lot of customers just by wearing a stylish outfit on the day of the book fair.

And if you get bored, you can help out by reading a book to the small children there.

Arashi: Hmm. Sounds like a pretty easy job… Since it’s an event outside of the school, we’ll be sure to grab the attention of a lot of people.

Tsukasa: Yes! Let’s show everyone the chivalry of “Knights”!

Arashi: Oh my, aren’t you excited… Since all we’ve been doing lately is making sweets, which you aren’t good at, your stress must’ve been accumulating. There, there ♪

Tsukasa: I-It’s not like that. Or rather, please don’t treat me like a child!

Tsumugi: Fufu, you’re such good friends~ ♪

Arashi: Is Tenkousei-chan going to help you with sewing the outfits?

Tsumugi: I plan to make the outfits for “Knights” myself. But since I am slow, I am thinking of asking Anzu-chan to make the outfit for Yuuki-kun.

Fufu. If I remember correctly, Yuuki-kun used to work as a model. I am sure he will be by no means inferior even compared to everyone from “Knights”~ ♪

Makoto: ………………….

Location: Garden Terrace

Tsukasa: Chew chew…. *swallow*

As delicious as it is, I can feel my appetite diminishing due to the grotesque shape of it.

But since I spoke so boastfully earlier, I can’t leave any leftovers.

...Oh?

Onee-sama! ...Errr, I mean, Tenkousei-san. I’m in excellent spirits ♪

Ah, I am currently in the middle of enjoying the confections Ritsu-senpai made… If you’d like, Tenkousei-san, you may join in as well?

Yes, please don’t hold back. I was already getting worried because I am incapable of eating such an amount of sweets by myself.

Fufu, Tenkousei-san really likes the flavour of Ritsu-senpai’s sweets, I’m grateful.

Haa…

I-I apologize. I soured the mood by letting out a sigh. ...Yes? If I am troubled by anything, you want me to consult you, you say?

Thank you very much. In that case, is it okay if I take advantage of those words and consult you about a certain matter?

The truth is, I am worried about the future of “Knights”. As you are probably aware, we are currently restricted in our idol activities.

And as such, we are doing volunteer work to restore our impaired reputation. But I find myself in worry over whether or not this status quo is acceptable.

The senpai’s seem to feel the same way, yet due to the amount of “carefree” people in the unit, the state of affairs remains unchanged.

As ashamed as I feel to be making such impertinent remarks, though I am but a fledgling, I am also a member of “Knights”.

Instead of standing by idly and watching everyone, I want to be of assistance to my senpais.

Eh? In that case, you have a good idea, you say? Please let me hear it, Tenkousei-san!

Hmm... So you’re currently helping out the library committee, Tenkousei-san?

If “Knights”’s members collaborated with the library committee, it might help improve our image...? Certainly, it is as you say, Tenkousei-san.

Well then, I will consult my senpais about it. I am sure they will be overjoyed and agree to participate.

Fufu. I only hope that I can be of everyone’s assistance...♪

Location: Library

- During the lunch break of the next day -

Tsumugi: Anzu-chan, Yuuki-kun, welcome to the library~♪

I’m happy that you’ve come to play again today. Come, come, please sit down wherever you’d like.

Makoto: Pardon my intrusion~

Aoba-senpai, is it okay if I use the power outlet? I did charge up my notebook earlier so it should be fine, but…

Tsumugi: Of course, that’s no problem. If there’s anything else you need, just ask me.

Makoto: Thank you very much. ...That reminds me, how did it go after the broadcast? Well, looking around, it doesn’t seem like we were of any help.

Tsumugi: Oh no, it’s not your fault at all, Yuuki-kun.

I talked about it with Anzu-chan yesterday, but we are thinking of changing the way we advertise to people.

Makoto: Hmm, and that’s why you called for me?

Tsumugi: Yes, exactly.

As a reference for what we should do, I was thinking we might research the ways libraries and bookstores advertise themselves…

Makoto: Please leave it to me, this kind of thing is my forte ♪

As a member of the broadcasting committee, I’ll see it through to the end. As long as you’re fine with me, I’ll do anything I can to help~♪

(Ehehe. Though to tell the truth, I’m mostly just really excited because Tenkousei-chan told me “I have something to ask of you that only you can do!”)

(Since she told me that, I feel like I have to do my best and show her my good side!)

Hmm~...

Ah, I found a bunch of results! How about something like this?

Tsumugi: Eh, what’s this? Hmm… So they are going to hold an “Art and Book Fair” in the shopping district soon?

Hm? Anzu-chan, are you interested in the book fair?

I was invited by my friends and went there once before, it was a lot of fun.

There are free lectures, and the books there are cheaper than when you buy them in stores…

Hmm… If we did an event like that at our school, it might lead to the utilization rate of the library increasing.

...Oh? Aah, a store I am acquainted with is having a booth there, so that’s what I was staring at.  

It’s a good opportunity, so I’ll call and have them hear me out. If it goes well, they might collaborate with us, who knows?

I think it’ll be fine, but just in case anyone comes in, can I leave the counter to you?

The protocol is written on the top drawer of the desk… Well then, I’ll leave the house-sitting to you for a moment ♪

Location: Library

Tsumugi: ~.....♪

Whoops, I started humming without realizing… There’s no one around right now, but it’s best to be as quiet as possible in the library.

What’s the matter, Anzu-chan? ...Ah, you’re done with the poster. Good work~ ♪

Or rather, I’m sorry. Even though making posters is supposed to be the job of the library committee, I’ve made you help me out…

But honestly, you are a great help. The library committee is understaffed, you see…

It doesn’t feel like the amount of people who use the library has been increasing lately either… I wonder what I could do to raise interest in the library?

Young people these days don’t like reading books much. If they want to read something, they have e-books for that, so it kind of feels like there’s not really a need for real books made of paper anymore.

Ahaha, sorry for grumbling to myself like that. Could it be that you’re a little tired?

Anzu-chan’s eyes are tired? That’s because you’ve been drawing pictures for so long. If you rub the area between your eyebrows like this, you’ll feel better~ Keito-kun does it all the time ♪

Yeah, just like that~ ♪

I hope the posters this time will be effective. Since the last ones we made showed no results whatsoever…

I even got the broadcasting committee to help out and do a broadcast for the library during lunch break. But there were still only a few people who set foot in the library after that.

Hm? You want to think of a new way we can appeal to students?

That sounds good~ But you already helped me out so much, so I am going to try and think of something myself.

Eh, taking care of the idols is the duty of a producer, so rely on me all you want without holding back, you say?

But this work doesn’t concern me as an idol, but as a member of the library committee, so it’d turn into a rather personal affair… Is that okay?

Fufu, now it kind of feels like I roped you into it. But thanks, Anzu-chan. I’m glad you want to help~ ♪

Now then, let’s think of a plan that says “Come to the Library!”.